Nuclear power has be known in the energy business for centuries, but in recent decades it has become the number one alternative to fossil fuel. Commercial nuclear energy did not begin until the mid-1950s, and in 2011, nuclear energy powered more than ten percent of the world's electricity. With 439 nuclear reactors reported in 2012 in the world and counting, nuclear power has become the second most used energy source in the world, behind crude oil. The U.S. and many other countries, have invested a lot in many nuclear plants. At this point, other than hydraulic power, nuclear power is the second most environmentally safe commercial energy source. Without nuclear power, Canada's greenhouse emission would increase by twelve percent. Nuclear energy is the future of energy, and these facts will tell why.
Compared to Fossil Fuel
Electricity generating plants using fossil fuels emit large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Creating harsh greenhouse gases that extremely harm our ozone layer. But burning fossil fuel has been the number one resource for energy for centuries, and still tops nuclear and hydraulic power in the world for energy needs. Oil is hugely used in everyday lives with motor vehicles and other factors. Even though fossil fuel is our main energy resource, it is non renewable, and when extracting it from the ground, can create great damage to the environment around it. Not to mention the animal life surrounding the oil rigs. Compared to fossil fuel burning, nuclear power is largely more environmentally friendly. It emits no carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and does not consist of drilling into the earth, damaging the ground and surroundings. It has a very small amount of waste by comparison. The waste from a nuclear power station is very small in volume and is fully managed and extremely secure at the nuclear sites.
U.S Energy consumption, 1950-2011
U.S. Electricity production cost, 1995-2012
As you can see in these two charts above, nuclear consumption between the years of 1950 through 2011, is dramatically different from natural gases and coal. While the production cost of nuclear energy is only 3.9/kWh, while oil production was at a high of 23.0/kWh in 2012.
Needs For Future Opportunities
One problem with current nuclear processes, is the expiration on nuclear reactors, and controlling the waste. In the video below, Professor Gary Was, of Michigan State Engineering, explains new theories to expand life expectancy on reactors and other ways to improve nuclear energy processing for the future
A quick cheap meal has been part of the American life for years, families utilize the opportunity of fast-food establishments such as McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King on the simple fact of convenience, cheap convenience. in some cases, especially with the increasing popularity of Sheetz, local gas stations are becoming a quick stop for a meal at a very low price. The sole purpose of these establishments is to provide a meal, at a price that is affordable for everyone and at a convenient location. The issue with "location", is that these fast food and quick marts, have taken over towns in bunches. for example, in Gettysburg, there is three times the amount of fast-food establishments then there is food marts. When this happens, people choose the cheap, easy meal, over the much healthier home cooked meal. In some cases, this is not a choice, but only solutions. With busy working parents, some families eat out or order in most of the nights. In moderation, these meals aren't a major issue, but when it's a persons main diet, this creates the obese America we live in today.
The golden arch, more commonly known as McDonald's, is the most popular fast food establishment to date. McDonald's feeds more than 46 million people a day, that's more than the population of Spain. There's not a city or relatively large town, that does not contain at least one large golden arch brightening the location. McDonald's is probably the front runner for a quick cheap meal, with double cheese burgers for a dollar, apple pies for ninety cents and any size drink for just a dollar as well. These are just some examples off the menu, the list goes on and on, more specifically the dollar menu. This menu, besides the all mighty Big Mac and Ronald McDonald, is what makes McDonald's so popular. anyone can grab some change off the shelf and go to their local McDonald's, and grab a burger, fries and a drink for just roughly three bucks. With this said, sure McDonald's is extremely cheap for the most part, and very convenient, do to so many of them on every corner, but is it healthy is the question? The famous Big Mac, contains 540 calories, with 10 grams of saturated fat, that's more than half of your daily value needed. Or try the lunch menu of a quarter pounder with fries and a soda, which combines for 1330 calories, that's easily more than enough calories for breakfast and dinner in ONE meal. with only two items on the entire McDonald's menu containing no sugar, McDonald's would have to be one of the worst choices for a persons source for meals a day. Unfortunately, these fatty foods are many people's common meals. McDonald's is not the only contributors for a cheap quick meal, with KFC, Burger King, Wendy's and Taco-Bell are big fast food enterprises that attract the middle class with cheap food choices. With this cheap, quick meal, that one buck that bought that burger, adds up to possible lifetime affects.
between 2003 and 2007, the obesity rate has increased 10 percent in people of the age of 10 and 17, but in the same time period,it increased 23 percent in low-income children. one study has shown that more than 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. With that said, counties with more than 35 percent of the poverty rate, have more than 145 percent the obesity rate than wealthier counties. With 46 million people living in poverty in America, according to the 2010 census, this is the most in 50 years. America, as a whole is one the wealthiest countries, but is also one of the most unhealthiest. Diabetes is a huge issue in America, and is actually not that much of one in other countries. The percent of diabetic people, especially type 2, is extraordinarily larger in people who's income is on or below the poverty line. Some studies show that one in every three children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. Many people have called the obesity problem in the U.S. an epidemic. One stat that can catch anyone's eye
is, if not changed in the near future, obesity will surpass smoking as the leading preventable cause of death in America. With these statistics, it is hard to deny that poverty has a direct link to obesity in America. But with all controversial topics, some often appease the idea. Below is a short video of Be Well: Obesity- Poverty and Food Deserts, a short documentary bringing poor diet and low income connections to light, this is one section of the six part documentary.
Food deserts are places of large population that are not exposed to fresh foods or markets, and are instead exposed to fast-food, processed and cheap food such as convenient stores, fast-food restaurants or even gas stations. Large cities are even consider a partial food desert, take Harrisburg,PA for example. Downtown Harrisburg, besides several fast-food establishments and mini marts, Harrisburg does not have a Giant food market. With this being said, these citizens are solely exposed to the unhealthy choices of processed foods. below is a food desert map of the U.S.
the large green blocks represent food desert areas, as you can see on the map, there is a large amount of food deserts on the western hemisphere, but although they are small blocks on the east, these blocks add up. One key factor around the west is harsh and border line, non-farm able land for these fresh foods. Unlike the west, the east is blessed with more farm able land, but it's what people do with it that dictates a food desert or a diverse cultural diet. Two big solutions have been purposed to eliminate food deserts, that is to create a local community garden, or hold farmer's markets. these strategies can create diverse cultural interactions and introduce new diets to those who were deprived for years. This can give many people a chance to not only learn about new foods, but learn how to grow their own vegetables and fruits. This can also eliminate the urge for unhealthy fast-food and be replaced with home cooked meals. Community based markets also provoke interaction with others, and can create a much stronger community, all with the sole purpose to introduce newer and better food choices. Although these ideas can ultimately prevent obesity in low-income ares, it is often not utilized. and sometimes not possible due to other factors. We can only keep promoting the ideas and hope that these areas realize the opportunity that can be given to them. With this said, most families are still driving into to their nearest KFC to get a "Family Meal", that will satisfy everyone. All for a great cheap price, a price that we all can afford. the bigger price is what that easy meal is doing to that families body. Obesity, not just in the poverty areas, but as a national epidemic, is slowly but surely destroying us as a nation. We as the people of this country need to advocate healthy alternatives to the all mighty Big Mac's of America.
Below are three other advocacy articles that i felt were interesting and very informative
James, Daniel J. "11 Facts About Food Deserts." Do Something. Do Something, 23 Dec. 2012. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.
Keansley, Jennifer M. "Fast Food Facts from the Super Size Me Web Site." Fast Food Facts from the Super Size Me Web Site. Swallow This, 12 May 2010. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.
"Fast Food Linked To Child Obesity." CBSNews. Ed. Michael G. Larson. CBS Interactive, 09 Sept. 2011. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.
Miami Heat's forward, LeBron James, sits after disappointing play in 2011 NBA finals
With several people still in shock of the 2011 NBA finals, where the revamped Miami Heat, with additions of superstars LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Came up short against the underdog Dallas Mavericks, led by Dirk Nowitzki. As a Heat fan, what could be worse than this? Although no fan saw this coming, inside the NBA this was just a matter of time. As the 2012 NBA season approached, with training camps around the corner. The NBA commissioner, David Stern announced that the NBAP and NBA could not meet at mutual terms, and all facilities and games would be canceled indefinably. Now this a sports fans' worse nightmare, many thought we would not have a 2012 season at all. Several fans actually did not completely know why this as occurring, but it is actually quite simple. The big picture was that, the small market teams, such as Indianapolis, Charlotte or Sacramento, began asking for more money. But, The Larger market teams like New York, LA or even Miami, said to ask the Players. The players, who already have limited bargaining power, gave up a lot of money in the beginning of the season. Even with this, the owners, led by small market teams wanted even more money. Which led to the players to take legal actions, while willing to sacrifice their season and playoffs, before accepting any other offers from the owners.
Below is an exert from YES Sports, talking to David Stern about the lockout
That move by the NBAP, would give them some leverage to the situation at hand. while owners do own the most power, no players equals no games, no games means no income, and that's what it's all about. The NBAP president, Derek Fisher, a current NBA player, was very prompt to respond to the situation, with multiple press conferences addressing the lockout, and he wasn't alone. Several players, including franchise names like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and even Chris Paul joined beside him to show their unified statement. But, as the battle went on, more and more games began to be canceled, which led people to infer that the players are now being greedy and selfish. This created even more complications with the owners and the players coming to an agreement.
Derek Fisher, and NBA players, addressing multiple topics at a NBAP press conference
In the past, traditional NBA owners were in the game for the fun, the
control, and the bragging rights. They made money through franchise fan base; there was less emphasis on short-term revenue. The newer group of owners bought high, are more corporate oriented, and the financial crisis renewed their sense of
vulnerability. They’ve poured a lot of money into those teams and they
aren’t comfortable with any financial pimple, even if it's a small one. The players last year made roughly $1.5 billion dollars total in NBA salary, and that's without endorsement influences. While the owners were only looking at a $500 million cut. Although this might sound absurd for them to deny, accepting could throw any control they had or could gain in the future. in a sense, the players have far more to lose than the owners. Seeing that the owners have other lucrative income other than NBA, while the players, basketball is their life and occupation.
Below is NBA Player CBA press conference, on the NBA draft night
With the NBA in a utter battle of mutual ground, the fans, including me were waiting to see when the next basketball related would occur. With no games in November, fans were growing anxious and quite annoyed by this strike. Some were divided, some thought it was the players greed for more and more money, while others thought it was the all business owners. Here is what some people thought about the NBA lockout from the AFP YouTube channel
Luckily, on November 11 2011, at approximately 6:34 AM, the commissioner and several owners, along with NBAP, came to a mutual agreement. This settled the financial crisis, and other key issues. On the financial side, the players received between 49 and 51
percent of revenues, depending on annual growth. While, teams above the salary cap will be able to offer four-year mid-level
exception contracts to free agents each season. Previously, owners were
asking that teams be limited to offering a four-year deal one year, a
three-year deal the next, then four, then three, etc. David Stern then had this to say after the lengthy 15 hour bargaining session, “It will largely prevent the high spending teams from competing in the free agent market the way they have in the past," deputy commissioner Adam Silver said. "The luxury tax is harsher than it was in the last deal, and we hope it’s effective. You never can be sure with how a new system will work, but we feel ultimately it will give fans in each community hope that they can compete for championships, and that their basis for believing in their team will be a function of management of that team, rather than how deep the owner's pockets are or how large the market is.". This meant, the NBA was back and games would shortly begin.
David Stern and Adam Silver, press conference after the bargain session
The NBA eventually began on Christmas day, December 25 2012, with a shortened season of 66 games, with no affect on the playoffs. With multiple NBA players holding street tournaments and charity games during the lockout, that could only give the fans a little taste of what was really important, actual, competitive NBA games. With the all of this in the past now, these teams had one soul purpose on their mind, and that was to win a NBA championship, and no one was more hungry than the Miami Heat. with the bitter lose to the Mavs still in their head, they accomplished a 66 win record, and went on to win the NBA finals, against the young but talented Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Kevin Durant. With LeBron James winning his first ring, and the NBA Lockout, the 2012 NBA season was far from boring. As a fan, and a sports lover, you never want to see an event like this happen again. We can only hope in that in the future, the owners and players can meet in the middle, before another lockout can destroy the game of basketball for everyone.
Below are some interesting and very informative articles on the NBA and the lockout
The NCAA has a very strict rule which basically says, any student athlete that profits from team merchandise,autograph signings or accepting any money for exploitation will be PUNISHED.
That would be some what fair for most athletes and coaches, if only the organization itself did not break this rule for years. This controversy over paying athletes has been an idea for some time now, but the NCAA, at this point have no attention of doing so. at the same time, any college football fan can go to Foot Locker,Finish Line or Champs sports and buy several different collegiate team wear. Many also can go buy a team jersey with that players name on it, not one percent goes to these students.
(Former Michigan State quarterback, Dernard Robinson.) The NCAA does not stop at selling shirts,jerseys and stadium seats. No, they even have their very own video game. This franchise has a tremendous fan base, making it a very successful sports game right next to the Madden series. this game sells millions every year and features every single school and player associated with the NCAA. That's over a thousand student athletes, not receiving a dime for one of the biggest entertainment media outlet since the television.
Below is a small exert from WDSU News on this popular debate. in this video they ask several current college students "the question", "should they get paid for playing?".
Recently one player has brought this topic to life again with his recent actions. Reigning Heisman trophy winner and star quarterback, Texas A&M's own Johnny Manziel. in a recent incident, Manziel was accused of signing several merchandise in return for money. Now this is a direct violation of the NCAA's big rule. Not to long after, ESPN analyst, Jay Bilas tweeted a picture showing "Manziel" jerseys sold on the NCAA website.
If this isn't the biggest act of hypocrisy, then i don't know what is. Later that very week, the NCAA took down the ability to purchase those replica jerseys. Just another incident where the NCAA gets away with exploitation of student athletes. Below is a segment from ESPN's First Take on the controversy over Johnny Manziel's allegations.
College football isn't the only victim of exploitation, another sport is college basketball. Yes, the NCAA does not stop at football, basketball has to be the second most popular sport at the collegiate level. Fans can also buy replica basketball jerseys and school team wear, and just like football, those schools and student do not see a dime. (former Kentucky Wildcat Center Nerlens Noel)
Every March, the NCAA holds "March Madness", a huge basketball tournament for the best schools. which eventually leads to the very famous "Final Four". This is viewed by millions either in stadium or on television, putting these student on stage for the world to see. These tickets aren't cheap either, as these fans pay hundreds, these students their watching do not even get a little percent of compensation. Not too ago, college basketball ALSO had its very own video game, exposing these students to the same exploitation of there fellow student football players.
(former Oklahoma State Forward Blake Griffin)
Both these video games are made by the same company, EA Sports, although they have discontinued the NCAA Basketball series, they still make football games. Along with the NCAA getting a portion of proceeds, EA Sports receives a very large portion too. Two major organizations getting paid, for what the students do, in the NBA and NFL this would never happen.
Several people have debated this for years and this topic is still relevant to many, especially the students themselves. Below is a short video from RecruitingNation, asking student athletes at the college level, "how do they feel about being paid to play?".
Many of the students agree with the idea of getting paid or receiving compensation for playing sports. which is a very fair opinion, seeing that these are the people playing their heart out on the field or court. But, like one student in the video above, some people view that if these students are getting a free 4 year education, then why question the idea of getting paid. This is also a very valid point, if your student of no athletic ability, most schools will not offer you a full scholarship. Not every student sees dollar signs for their talent, some are just gracious to have a free education and a huge opportunity in life.
Although the NCAA clearly generates millions off the talent of student athletes and their school, without them these students wouldn't have an athletic outlet after high school. This is still a very controversial topic, and is brought up to the NCAA every year. The NCAA bylaw 12.5.2.1, which states "Accepting money for promoting and advertising the commercial sale of a product or service will result in punishment for that student ." That is very ironic in the sense that the NCAA makes around $687 million dollars a year doing that very bylaw. The future can only tell if this act of hypocrisy will ever end, or if students will actually get paid to play the sport they love. All we can do is continue to debate this topic and allow the NCAA to compensate what these incredible athletes actually do for their organization. It's also important that the student athletes realize the opportunity that is presented to them.
Below are some very interesting articles that continue this debate very well.
